Tail Docking, Dewclaws On Table In PA

amstaffy

Certain breeds are defined by their cropping/docking per their breed standard such as Rottis,

Well, thank goodness breed standards can change and change very fast....remember Bigwigs control that.  If there were laws that banned cropping/docking, I think it would take a whole 5 minutes for everyone to get use to it and get over it.   How can you not, the dogs would look like they are suppose to.  Docking a dog because of tail injury......good grief, I have Great Danes with a whip like no other dog.  I don't understand why standards kept their tails given the injuries to humans, especially men.

Sera_J

I don't see how you feel a docked tail is worse than cropped ears. 

I did not say it was worse, I said I see no purpose.

DPU

How can you not, the dogs would be look like they are suppose to.

Actually they don't, because there is no "supposed to".  I spoke to several breeders of docked breeds at Crufts, all of whom were having problems months after the docking ban came into effect because they had never had a need to breed for tail appearance.  Tails were not suddenly coming out uniformly the same and arguments were breaking out amongst people who could influence the standard as to what the standard should be.  

I can see arguments on both sides, but my point is that standards are not necessarily changed quickly, and even slower is changing the dogs to fit standards they have never had to before. 

Benedict

...amongst people who could influence the standard as to what the standard should be.  

You mean the Bigwigs.

DPU

You mean the Bigwigs.

No, I mean breeders devoted to their breed.  We have people just like them on this very forum.   

Yet you cropped your dogs ears? You see no purpose, and I see no point... in discussing this further  

Sera_J

Yet you cropped your dogs ears? You see no purpose, and I see no point... in discussing this further  

You may want to explore why you are so pro docking.  It is your personal choice (for now) and only you know if it is necessary based on you and your dog's life together.  I cropped my Danes' ears because I thought that is what you were suppose to do and that is way they should look.  At the time, several vets that asked to do the surgery just said they do not crop dog's ears.  They did not say why or try to influence me not to.  Now, if I were have a Dane's ear cropped, it would be for personal reasons/choice....not because of some standard.  And, as I stated, if there was a law that said you can't, that would be ok with me.

DPU

You may want to explore why you are so pro docking. 

I believe it's because she educated herself about the practice and her breed.  Rather than assuming the opinions of others.

eaglerock814

Because we don't want to...and because some of us still believe in personal freedom...

 

EXACTLY! OMG if you take away our freedom to dock and crop our freedom of speech or worse our right to bare arms will be next! What is the use of living in a free country if you aren't allowed to dock a dogs tail? It's madness I say, MADNESS!  

That kind of sarcasm is unbecoming.  We take this topic seriously.

Indeed, this is a serious topic.  Please discuss it civilly and without maligning the opinions of others.   

miranadobe

Rather than assuming the opinions of others.

I am guilty of that because that is why I cropped my Danes' ears.  Even today there is residual influence because I would consider doing it to a new puppy but I would take full responsibility for this personal decision.

I don't understand this.  There are many dogs that are born with no tails.  If the standard says no tail why don't the reputable breeder do their job right?  My Nessie is an old english bulldog and her tail is a tight corkscrew.  Would that stop the docking of dobes?

I am pro docking for a number of reasons, including maintaining my breed's standard.

Mostly, however, because Lexi (GSP mix) had to have her tail amputated when she was three years old, because she repeatedly cracking it open by hitting it on a surface in the house. She was constantly in a cone (which she never got use to), had her tail wrapped from base to tip, and she would cry when it accidentally touched something.

The amputation was extrememly painful operation for her, considering her tail was fully developed. She had a ton of stitches, and the wound took a long time to heal. Seeing that was heart breaking. However, we felt that recovering from surgery would still be better than a lifetime of the alternative. I would make the same decision again today.

Luna (Aussie), on the other hand, was docked (per her breeds standard) when she was a day old and has never had any trouble with her nub or her hind end. It was done properly, and safely, and I don't see the point in stopping that practice.

If something has to be done (which frankly I don't think it does), then requiring vets to do the procedure would be my choice, and the breeders I know would not object to that.

denise m

eaglerock814

Because we don't want to...and because some of us still believe in personal freedom...

 

 

EXACTLY! OMG if you take away our freedom to dock and crop our freedom of speech or worse our right to bare arms will be next! What is the use of living in a free country if you aren't allowed to dock a dogs tail? It's madness I say, MADNESS!  

Sorry for the sarcasm. Let me put it this way - just because we 'want' to do something or have the 'personal freedom' to do something is not a valid argument that it is a good thing or the right thing to do. My own dog has a docked tail and I actually have no problem with the practice.

I cannot decide how I feel about docking or cropping, so I stick to breeds where it doesn't matter.  I prefer naturally erect ears and full tails.  My friend's purebred Rott has a full tail and she looks amazing.  She came to our agility class last night and even though she hasn't been on a course in months, I think the tail helps with agility.  She certainly looked more balanced and more agile than my trainer's two Rotts who have done agility for years. 

I guess I take less of an issue with tails because it's done before the nerves are even fully developed.  Ears....I don't know, I'm not a fancier of any breeds with standards that call for it so I don't really know all the pros and cons.